Many dogs have a strong desire to dig. Dogs who spend most of their time indoors may end up searching for alternatives to burrows or outdoor digging spots. Unfortunately, sometimes this means your pup may decide your favorite comfy couch is the best place to dig. A dog’s instinct to dig, even when it’s in furniture, is due to a number of factors.
Marking their territory
A dog’s scent glands are very powerful, and pups take in a much higher concentration of smells than humans do. Scent is also the primary way a dog experiences the world. Pups use their noses to explore and understand their surroundings. When dogs dig, their paws push and move around scents that allow them to gather even more information. Digging also serves as a way for your dog to mark their territory. When a dog picks a spot to dig and move around scents, it signals to other dogs that the digging spot belongs to them.
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Comfort
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For some pups, digging into a spot on a hot day can help your pup stay cool and create a comfortable bed in the dirt or grass. In warmer weather, dogs may mimic this behavior indoors if they’re feeling overheated. Make sure your pup has plenty of fresh water at all times to keep them cool and hydrated, and keep your AC set at a comfortable temperature.
Other dogs may just dig for the simple reason that it makes them really happy. Digging provides both mental stimulation and physical exercise for dogs, and often offers an outlet for excess energy. .
To hunt for small critters
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Because many domestic dogs were historically trained to be hunters or work as pest controllers, they may dig as a way to mimic the behavior passed down from their wild ancestors. If you notice your pup burying their favorite toy in couch cushions or bedding only to “hunt” for it later, this may be a sign your pup is digging for this reason.
To cope with anxiety or stress
Because digging is a source of self-soothing for a dog, your pup may dig when they are stressed or upset. If your dog is left alone in the home too long, they may get bored without any stimulation, and dig into furniture to have something to do. The act of digging stimulates your dog’s sense of smell and helps them gain information about their surroundings. If your pup is stressed, they may dig in order to try and gather information to either locate or protect their humans.
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Category: WHY
